UTICA, NY - The Utica University men's basketball team secured its seventh conference win of the season in the first of two cross-town rivalry matchups against conference foe SUNY Poly, defeating the Wildcats by a score of 84-79 on Tuesday evening.
Four Pioneers finished in double scoring figures, led by Dayion Thompson (Beacon, NY/Kimball Union Academy) with 20 points (4-11 FG, 1-3 3pt, 7-7 FT) and Keyaton Parks (Albany, NY/Green Tech High Charter) with 19 points (8-9 FG, 3-5 FT). Jordan Cain (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee) chipped in 14 of his own (4-12 FG, 2-4 3pt, 4-6 FT), and Liam Teague (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) posted 13 on the evening (6-10 FG, 1-4 FT). Teague led the rebounding efforts for the Pioneers with nine, followed by Parks with seven, and Zyon Lord (Bronx, NY/Salisbury School) and Ben Wittman (Sherrill, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) with four apiece. Defensively, Thompson and Cain each managed to swipe away three steals, while Parks had a massive evening at the rim, registering five blocks on the night.
SUNY Poly scored first, but Parks answered in the paint to get Utica on the board. After Poly stretched it to 7–3 on a three, Cain flipped the momentum by finishing inside, then knocking down a three to give Utica its first lead at 8–7, and jumping passing lanes for a steal moments later. Utica's defense then sparked a strong stretch with Thompson picking off a turnover for a steal, and Parks controlled the interior with two blocks in four seconds, helping Utica keep the edge. Utica pushed the advantage with steady rim pressure, highlighted by baskets from Thompson, Parks, and Teague, and got a big boost at the line when Thompson hit three free throws on one trip. Thompson then drilled a three to extend the cushion, with Teague and Parks adding late finishes, as Utica carried a 42–30 lead into halftime despite Poly getting to the line in the final seconds.
The second half opened with Poly cutting into the margin, but Utica answered with timely offense. Zyon Lord (Bronx, NY/Salisbury School) buried a three and Parks continued to score inside as Utica stayed in front. SUNY Poly made its move midway through the half, taking a 55–54 lead after a fastbreak layup, but Utica responded immediately. Cain hit two free throws to regain the lead, and the Pioneers followed with stops and steady scoring from Thompson and Isaiah Smith (Amsterdam, NY/Schalmont) to reestablish control. Down the stretch, Utica delivered the key closing plays highlighted by a Cain three with just over five minutes left that helped to create separation, and the Pioneers repeatedly answered Poly's makes with paint finishes and free throws. Poly had one last push in the final minute, but Utica iced it at the stripe with Teague and Lord delivering late free throws, and Thompson's two free throws in the final seconds sealed the 84–79 win.
Utica (14-4, 7-2 Empire 8) returns to action on Friday, January 30 as the team travels to take on Nazareth University. Tip off from Rochester, NY is set for 7:30pm.
